Historical Facts

172

In 1913, Milunka Savić joined the Serbian army in her brother's place, cutting her hair and donning men's clothes.

Her identity was only discovered after she was wounded in combat, but she had proven such a competent soldier, officers were hesitant to punish her.

After attempting to send her to a nursing division, Savić insisted she would serve her country only in combat.

The military relented, and she went on to fight in three wars and earn seven medals, including the Croix de Guerre and the British medal of the Most Distinguished Order of St. Michael.

She may in fact be the most-decorated female combatant not only in Serbia, but in the entire history of warfare.